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How to Maximize Daylight in Your Home

A well-lit home is a cheerful one. Many homes do not get enough natural light during the day due to which even the most well-furnished and decorated homes look less attractive than they really are. Using electric lights during the day will never give the same feel and of course, your electricity bills will go up. If this is a problem you face, here are some things you can do to increase the natural daylight in a room and change its whole look and aura.


Use mirrors: Mirrors are a great way to multiply light. Place one on the wall opposite the window and the light will  reflect through the room. The reflection of the view from the window will also make the room look larger than it is. A mirror placed adjacent to the window will mimic the window and make it seem like the wall has another one.

Avoid heavy window treatments: Heavy window treatments, curtains blinds and shades will block most of the light out of a room. While these are necessary for privacy, the same result can be achieved by using light translucent curtains and shades. These will allow much more light to enter while still providing the required privacy. Depending on the colors and tints chosen, this option can even give a glow to the curtains and shades and also diffuse the light more evenly across the room.

Use light colors for ceilings: A dark ceiling will absorb light and make a room look dark. If the walls are white, a white ceiling is the best. If the walls are dark, a white ceiling may make the room feel cramped and oppressive. In such cases, a colored ceiling that is lighter than the walls is a good option. Do not use glossy or semi-gloss paint on the ceiling. This will make the room look like an office or a doctor’s clinic. A white or light colored matte finish is the best option.

Install reflective surfaces: Reflective surfaces like a black painted backsplash in the kitchen will bounce light around the room and make it significantly brighter.

Keep it clean: You will be surprised at the amount of light that is lost with even a thin film of dust on window glass. Additionally, in a world that is becoming increasingly more polluted, thin layers of almost invisible oily deposits appear on the glass. These can diffuse the light and cause less light to enter a room. Regular cleaning of both the inner and outer surfaces will maximize the amount of light that is able to get in.

These are just a few ways in which you can brighten up your home using natural light. Daylight will always give your home a more cheerful and natural look than artificial lighting. It will also save on utility bills. If your home has areas that cannot be lit with windows and skylights, consider using a daylighting system to channel natural daylight to those parts of the home that remain dark and gloomy. You will be surprised at the difference it makes. These systems are not as expensive as you may think and are easy to install.

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